Summaries:
In the fortieth year, Moses speaks to the Israelites and explains that God has lead them, and he recounts how God had him appoint elders, how the 12 scouts reconnoitered the land and spread fear, how the people threatened to revolt, and how the invasion made without the Lord's guidance was unsuccessful (1). He recounts where God lead the people in their journey and who they defeated in battle along the way (2). Moses recounts defeating Og, king of Bashan, and how he agreed to allow Reuben and Gad to occupy the the land on the other side of the river for their flocks, and how Moses pleaded with God to let him enter the land which He had set aside, but God would only let him look from atop the mountain (3). Moses tells the Israelites to stay true to all that he has told them, not adding or subtracting from it, not forgetting it, not worshiping idols, and God will be faithful and will reward you. Moses shows them how God has loved them through all he has done (4).
Reflections:
As Deuteronomy begins, and as I'm beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with the Pentateuch, I am face to face with a bit of a re-telling of what I've already read, though this book seems to be written in a way that is easier to read.
I like the way Moses is reminding the people of everything, because sometimes we can forget everything but how we're presently feeling, so we need to be reminded that God has blessed us and guided us time after time.
Quotes:
I know there were quotes I liked, I'll have to add these later.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Reflection: Numbers
Numbers, oh Numbers. To be honest, this hasn't been the most exciting book for me to read. There have been interesting points, but also a lot of rules and laws and locations and names that I had trouble reading/comprehending. I think I got the overall purpose for this book though.
Like much of the Pentateuch, this book contained historical information, laws, and detailed accounts of the Israelites journey from Egypt onward. I think that it is clear that God communicated with his people, and though they did not always do what he instructed, Moses continued to lead them, both in their physical journey and in their journey closer to God.
Seeing that even Moses and Aaron find a way to fail God, we can be reminded that nobody is perfect, but God can still use us in his Divine plan.
One book left in the Pentateuch. Then on to the Historical Books.
Like much of the Pentateuch, this book contained historical information, laws, and detailed accounts of the Israelites journey from Egypt onward. I think that it is clear that God communicated with his people, and though they did not always do what he instructed, Moses continued to lead them, both in their physical journey and in their journey closer to God.
Seeing that even Moses and Aaron find a way to fail God, we can be reminded that nobody is perfect, but God can still use us in his Divine plan.
One book left in the Pentateuch. Then on to the Historical Books.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day 38: Numbers 33-36
Summaries:
This chapter documents the many locations involved in the journey of the Israelites from the time they left Egypt (33). The Lord tells Moses the boundaries of the land that the Israelites are to inhabit in Canaan, and names the men from each tribe who will apportion the land (34). The land for the Levites is described, and God tells Moses the rules for building cities for asylum for those who have killed, and the rules regarding murder, when someone is to be killed or held (35). The heads of Gilead ask Moses and Eleazar about the allotment of land to the Israelites and the heritage of Zelophedah and his daughters, and Moses commands that every daughter who inherits property shall marry someone in her own ancestral tibe in order to keep possessions in the heritage (36). The end.
Reflections:
I think it's interesting to see the use of asylums and jails back in the day. Most of the time they are told that murder is to be paid with murder but there are times when people are to be held.
This chapter documents the many locations involved in the journey of the Israelites from the time they left Egypt (33). The Lord tells Moses the boundaries of the land that the Israelites are to inhabit in Canaan, and names the men from each tribe who will apportion the land (34). The land for the Levites is described, and God tells Moses the rules for building cities for asylum for those who have killed, and the rules regarding murder, when someone is to be killed or held (35). The heads of Gilead ask Moses and Eleazar about the allotment of land to the Israelites and the heritage of Zelophedah and his daughters, and Moses commands that every daughter who inherits property shall marry someone in her own ancestral tibe in order to keep possessions in the heritage (36). The end.
Reflections:
I think it's interesting to see the use of asylums and jails back in the day. Most of the time they are told that murder is to be paid with murder but there are times when people are to be held.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 37: Numbers 29-32
Summaries:
God continues to give Moses laws for the Israelites regarding how to celebrate the feasts, including New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (29). Next God gives the laws regarding vows, including that a man's vow is binding, as is a woman's, unless when a woman's father or husband finds out about it, he immediately objects (30). God tells Moses to send men to battle the Midianites, and the Israelites defeat them, sparing only the virgin women and female children. Those who battled are to purify themselves before returning to the camp and turn in all that they have collected so that it may be evenly divided (31). The Gadites and Reubenites request of Moses and Eleazar to have the low-laying grazing land for themselves and their large amoutns of livestock, but Moses rebukes them since they are about to cross into the land which the Lord has set for them, but they reply that they only wish to build flocks there and towns for their families, while they themselves would be with the rest of the Israelites, and they all agree (32).
Reflections:
I once again find myself a bit confused, but overall glad that God continue to instruct his people and lead them closer to him.
I thought it was interesting when the people asked Moses if they could have the land outside of Canaan and Moses rebuked them saying something like "Haven't you seen how God has punished us for not doing what he asks, and now you want to do what?!" But then after it is all explained and it makes sense, they all agree to it.
God continues to give Moses laws for the Israelites regarding how to celebrate the feasts, including New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (29). Next God gives the laws regarding vows, including that a man's vow is binding, as is a woman's, unless when a woman's father or husband finds out about it, he immediately objects (30). God tells Moses to send men to battle the Midianites, and the Israelites defeat them, sparing only the virgin women and female children. Those who battled are to purify themselves before returning to the camp and turn in all that they have collected so that it may be evenly divided (31). The Gadites and Reubenites request of Moses and Eleazar to have the low-laying grazing land for themselves and their large amoutns of livestock, but Moses rebukes them since they are about to cross into the land which the Lord has set for them, but they reply that they only wish to build flocks there and towns for their families, while they themselves would be with the rest of the Israelites, and they all agree (32).
Reflections:
I once again find myself a bit confused, but overall glad that God continue to instruct his people and lead them closer to him.
I thought it was interesting when the people asked Moses if they could have the land outside of Canaan and Moses rebuked them saying something like "Haven't you seen how God has punished us for not doing what he asks, and now you want to do what?!" But then after it is all explained and it makes sense, they all agree to it.
Day 36: Numbers 25-28
Summaries:
Some Israelites slept with Moabite women and worshiped their god, so God tells Moses to publicly execute these people, and Phineas honorably kills two of them, and God pledges his friendship because of the zeal of Phineas (25). God has Moses and Eleazar take another census by ancestral house, and clan and number is listed, and God says the land is to be divided among them by size and by lot (26). Zelophehad dies and has no sons, so laws are given regarding heiresses, such that when there are no sons, a man's heritage may pass to his daughters, or his brothers, or others, so that his heritage lives on. God tells Moses to go up on the mountain and view the land that is for the Israelites, and he will gbe taken up to God, and Moses asks that God would set a worthy man in his place, and God chooses Joshua (27). God gives Moses laws for the Israelites once again regarding how to give sacrifices, for each morning and evening, for the sabbath, for the new moon, for Passover, and for Pentecost (28).
Reflections:
I like to think that Phineas' zeal shone through in the fact that God commanded something and he so readily did it. Mind you, in this case, it was killing those who had done wrong, but none the less, he was quick to do what God had instructed, and that does show nobility.
Some Israelites slept with Moabite women and worshiped their god, so God tells Moses to publicly execute these people, and Phineas honorably kills two of them, and God pledges his friendship because of the zeal of Phineas (25). God has Moses and Eleazar take another census by ancestral house, and clan and number is listed, and God says the land is to be divided among them by size and by lot (26). Zelophehad dies and has no sons, so laws are given regarding heiresses, such that when there are no sons, a man's heritage may pass to his daughters, or his brothers, or others, so that his heritage lives on. God tells Moses to go up on the mountain and view the land that is for the Israelites, and he will gbe taken up to God, and Moses asks that God would set a worthy man in his place, and God chooses Joshua (27). God gives Moses laws for the Israelites once again regarding how to give sacrifices, for each morning and evening, for the sabbath, for the new moon, for Passover, and for Pentecost (28).
Reflections:
I like to think that Phineas' zeal shone through in the fact that God commanded something and he so readily did it. Mind you, in this case, it was killing those who had done wrong, but none the less, he was quick to do what God had instructed, and that does show nobility.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 35: Numbers 21-24
Summaries:
The Israelites are complaining (again), so God punishes them with serpents, and Moses prays, and makes a serpent-pole that will heal anyone who is bitten. The Israelites' locations are described, and the King of the Amorites doesn't let them pass though his land, and they battle, and the Israelites win and seize that land, and they also defeat Og, the king of Bashan, when he advances (21). Balak, king of Moab, feared the Israelites and asked Balaam, a soothsayer, to come and curse them, but God told Balaam not to go, so he refused the first time, but accepted the second time, saying that he cannot do anything contrary to the commands of the Lord. God was angry with Balaam for going, and an angel came, which scared Balaam's donkey, so he beat it, but then the donkey pleaded with him to stop (yes it talked), and the angel was revealed to Balaam and he admits his sin, and when he arrives, he assures Balak that he can only say what God tells him (22). Three times Balak builds altars and makes sacrifice so that Balaam will curse the Israelites, but instead he says a blessing for them, so Balak is furious, and Balaam speaks a fourth oracle that the Israelites will defeat the many tribes, and then Balaam leaves (23-24).
Reflections:
It was really funny how Balak kept trying to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, but instead he would say what God told him and would bless the Israelites. I can just picture Balak, like "Wait wait no no stop! What are you doing? Oh no!"
The quote I posted below had a really nice footnote, which is a quote / crossreference from John: "and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that those who believe in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting" John 3:14-15.
What it made me think about is how as Catholics, we have crucifixes hanging everywhere, since it is a sign of God's total and complete love, but also because, like the serpent lifted up in the desert that healed, we lift up the cross with Jesus and look upon him, and while we are not healed by simply looking at it, we are reminded of God's love for us, and our hearts are called to worship.
Quotes:
Numbers 21:8-9 - "and the LORD said to Moses, "Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover." Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he recovered."
Numbers 24:12-13 - Balaam replied to Balak, "Did I not warn the very messengers whom you sent to me, 'Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord to anything, good or evil, contrary to the command of the LORD'?"
The Israelites are complaining (again), so God punishes them with serpents, and Moses prays, and makes a serpent-pole that will heal anyone who is bitten. The Israelites' locations are described, and the King of the Amorites doesn't let them pass though his land, and they battle, and the Israelites win and seize that land, and they also defeat Og, the king of Bashan, when he advances (21). Balak, king of Moab, feared the Israelites and asked Balaam, a soothsayer, to come and curse them, but God told Balaam not to go, so he refused the first time, but accepted the second time, saying that he cannot do anything contrary to the commands of the Lord. God was angry with Balaam for going, and an angel came, which scared Balaam's donkey, so he beat it, but then the donkey pleaded with him to stop (yes it talked), and the angel was revealed to Balaam and he admits his sin, and when he arrives, he assures Balak that he can only say what God tells him (22). Three times Balak builds altars and makes sacrifice so that Balaam will curse the Israelites, but instead he says a blessing for them, so Balak is furious, and Balaam speaks a fourth oracle that the Israelites will defeat the many tribes, and then Balaam leaves (23-24).
Reflections:
It was really funny how Balak kept trying to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, but instead he would say what God told him and would bless the Israelites. I can just picture Balak, like "Wait wait no no stop! What are you doing? Oh no!"
The quote I posted below had a really nice footnote, which is a quote / crossreference from John: "and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that those who believe in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting" John 3:14-15.
What it made me think about is how as Catholics, we have crucifixes hanging everywhere, since it is a sign of God's total and complete love, but also because, like the serpent lifted up in the desert that healed, we lift up the cross with Jesus and look upon him, and while we are not healed by simply looking at it, we are reminded of God's love for us, and our hearts are called to worship.
Quotes:
Numbers 21:8-9 - "and the LORD said to Moses, "Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover." Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he recovered."
Numbers 24:12-13 - Balaam replied to Balak, "Did I not warn the very messengers whom you sent to me, 'Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord to anything, good or evil, contrary to the command of the LORD'?"
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 34: Numbers 17-20
I have been falling way behind and falling victim to temptations and distractions, but now I am trying to come back, read, blog, and move onward. Please pray for me as I continue.
Summaries:
The Israelites grumble against God for slaying the people who disobeyed, and God tells Moses and Aaron to leave so he can destroy the community, and as God is destroying, Moses tells Aaron to incense the community to make atonement for them, and this stops God's wrath. God has each tribe to bring forth a staff, and the one that blossoms will be God's choice, and Aaron's staff (the Levite staff) blooms (17). God reminds Aaron that he and his sons and the Levites are responsible for the sanctuary, and they are dedicated to the Lord, and he details the amounts of the sacrifices of which the priests may partake. The people are to give a tithe to the Levites, and of that, the Levites must tithe a portion to the Lord (18). A clean red heifer is to be led out of the camp, slaughtered, and burned, and the ashes are to be gathered and used to the cleansing of people who are made unclean because of the body of a deceased person (19). Miriam dies, and people complain about lack of water, so God tells Aaron and Moses to strike the rock and make water flow, and they strike it twice, showing their uncertainty, and though water comes, Moses and Aaron are punished for their lack of faith by not being allowed to enter the land that they are leading the Israelites to. Israel wishes to pass through Edom without harm, but they do not allow, so the Israelites take a detour. Aaron is take up to God, and his garments and responsibility is passed on to his son Eleazar (20).
Reflections:
I am always moved when Moses and Aaron or anyone else are able to intercede for the people with God. It's not that they necessarily change God's mind, but are proven worthy of his love, in a sense. It shows the power of prayer, and makes me think of how much our priests must be praying for all of us.
The part about the red heifer was very confusing, though I found this quote and footnote/quote to be very interesting:
-Numbers 19:17 - "For anyone who is thus unclean, ashes from the sin offering shall be put in a vessel, and spring water shall be poured on them..."
-Footnote, a quote from Hebrews 9:13f - "If...the sprinkled ashes of a heifer sanctify the unclean unto the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ... cleanse your conscience from dead works?"
Quotes:
Numbers 18:7 - "I give you the priesthood as a gift."
Summaries:
The Israelites grumble against God for slaying the people who disobeyed, and God tells Moses and Aaron to leave so he can destroy the community, and as God is destroying, Moses tells Aaron to incense the community to make atonement for them, and this stops God's wrath. God has each tribe to bring forth a staff, and the one that blossoms will be God's choice, and Aaron's staff (the Levite staff) blooms (17). God reminds Aaron that he and his sons and the Levites are responsible for the sanctuary, and they are dedicated to the Lord, and he details the amounts of the sacrifices of which the priests may partake. The people are to give a tithe to the Levites, and of that, the Levites must tithe a portion to the Lord (18). A clean red heifer is to be led out of the camp, slaughtered, and burned, and the ashes are to be gathered and used to the cleansing of people who are made unclean because of the body of a deceased person (19). Miriam dies, and people complain about lack of water, so God tells Aaron and Moses to strike the rock and make water flow, and they strike it twice, showing their uncertainty, and though water comes, Moses and Aaron are punished for their lack of faith by not being allowed to enter the land that they are leading the Israelites to. Israel wishes to pass through Edom without harm, but they do not allow, so the Israelites take a detour. Aaron is take up to God, and his garments and responsibility is passed on to his son Eleazar (20).
Reflections:
I am always moved when Moses and Aaron or anyone else are able to intercede for the people with God. It's not that they necessarily change God's mind, but are proven worthy of his love, in a sense. It shows the power of prayer, and makes me think of how much our priests must be praying for all of us.
The part about the red heifer was very confusing, though I found this quote and footnote/quote to be very interesting:
-Numbers 19:17 - "For anyone who is thus unclean, ashes from the sin offering shall be put in a vessel, and spring water shall be poured on them..."
-Footnote, a quote from Hebrews 9:13f - "If...the sprinkled ashes of a heifer sanctify the unclean unto the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ... cleanse your conscience from dead works?"
Quotes:
Numbers 18:7 - "I give you the priesthood as a gift."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 33: Numbers 13-16
Summaries:
God tells Moses to send a scout (prince) from each tribe to check out the land, and they come back reporting that the land is wonderful, but they report that people are too fierce to conquer and they spread this news to the Israelites (13). The Israelites complain and talk of electing a new leader, but Joshua and Caleb (two of the scouts) tell them that if God wants the land for them, He will make it happen, so don't rebel. The Lord wants to wipe out these people, but Moses pleads with him to stay faithful, so the Lord pardons them and gives them an alternate route. God punishes those who grumbled with 40 years in the desert, and the scouts that spread bad news with death (all the scouts except Caleb and Joshua) (14). God gives more rules regarding sacrifices and sin offerings, instructs punishment for a man working on the sabbath day, and instructs tassles to be places on garments as reminders to keep the Commandments (15). People rebel against Moses and God, and God punishes them (16).
Reflections:
We often complain to/about God when we feel like his plan doesn't quite make sense or we don't think it's that great. But I need I remind myself that God's plan makes a whole lot more sense than my own, and sometimes we just don't know what the next chapter will be, and instead of complaining, we ought to see what God has next for us.
And always trusting in God and his mercy. That's huge too.
God tells Moses to send a scout (prince) from each tribe to check out the land, and they come back reporting that the land is wonderful, but they report that people are too fierce to conquer and they spread this news to the Israelites (13). The Israelites complain and talk of electing a new leader, but Joshua and Caleb (two of the scouts) tell them that if God wants the land for them, He will make it happen, so don't rebel. The Lord wants to wipe out these people, but Moses pleads with him to stay faithful, so the Lord pardons them and gives them an alternate route. God punishes those who grumbled with 40 years in the desert, and the scouts that spread bad news with death (all the scouts except Caleb and Joshua) (14). God gives more rules regarding sacrifices and sin offerings, instructs punishment for a man working on the sabbath day, and instructs tassles to be places on garments as reminders to keep the Commandments (15). People rebel against Moses and God, and God punishes them (16).
Reflections:
We often complain to/about God when we feel like his plan doesn't quite make sense or we don't think it's that great. But I need I remind myself that God's plan makes a whole lot more sense than my own, and sometimes we just don't know what the next chapter will be, and instead of complaining, we ought to see what God has next for us.
And always trusting in God and his mercy. That's huge too.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 32: Numbers 9-12
Summaries:
The Israelites celebrate Passover for the second time, just as the Lord commanded Moses, but some don't celebrate b/c they are unclean, so God says they can celebrate it next month. The cloud covers the Dwelling during the day and is fire during the night, and whenever the cloud rises, the Israelites break camp and follow, and whenever it rests, the Israelites stay put (9). God instructs Moses to make two trumpets for the sons of Aaron to use for sounding alarms and for celebrations, and the Israelites leave the Sinai desert (10). The people lament over not having meat and only having manna, so Moses speaks to God, and God tells Moses to assemble 70 elders so God can bless them and they can share Moses' burden, and the people will get so much meat that it will be undesirable to them. God speaks to and blesses the elders and they prophesy, and the Israelites catch quail and eat it but get struck by a plague for angering God (11). Miriam complains that God only speaks through Moses, and God strikes her with white-leprosy for speaking against his prophet, and she remains outside the camp for 7 days to become clean (12).
Reflections:
Oh, those complaining Israelites. It seems like nothing is ever enough for them. They always want more. Silly Israelites, complaining to God, who is watching over them. Good thing I don't complain like them... (uh-oh)
Seriously, how much am I (are we) like the Israelites? God gives us so much, and yet we complain when mass is too long, when praying is too time-consuming, when we have to go to mass each Sunday or on Holy days, etc. What more do we want? God is offering himself to us, and we complain for more? I think I need to be more gracious and grateful for all that God has given me and gives me every day.
Quotes:
Numbers 10:35-36 -Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, "Arise, O LORD, that your enemies may be scattered, and those who hate you may flee before you." And when it came to rest, he would say, "Return, O LORD, you who ride upon the clouds, to the troops of Israel."
Numbers 11:23 - The LORD answered Moses, "Is this beyond the LORD'S reach? You shall see now whether or not what I have promised you takes place."
The Israelites celebrate Passover for the second time, just as the Lord commanded Moses, but some don't celebrate b/c they are unclean, so God says they can celebrate it next month. The cloud covers the Dwelling during the day and is fire during the night, and whenever the cloud rises, the Israelites break camp and follow, and whenever it rests, the Israelites stay put (9). God instructs Moses to make two trumpets for the sons of Aaron to use for sounding alarms and for celebrations, and the Israelites leave the Sinai desert (10). The people lament over not having meat and only having manna, so Moses speaks to God, and God tells Moses to assemble 70 elders so God can bless them and they can share Moses' burden, and the people will get so much meat that it will be undesirable to them. God speaks to and blesses the elders and they prophesy, and the Israelites catch quail and eat it but get struck by a plague for angering God (11). Miriam complains that God only speaks through Moses, and God strikes her with white-leprosy for speaking against his prophet, and she remains outside the camp for 7 days to become clean (12).
Reflections:
Oh, those complaining Israelites. It seems like nothing is ever enough for them. They always want more. Silly Israelites, complaining to God, who is watching over them. Good thing I don't complain like them... (uh-oh)
Seriously, how much am I (are we) like the Israelites? God gives us so much, and yet we complain when mass is too long, when praying is too time-consuming, when we have to go to mass each Sunday or on Holy days, etc. What more do we want? God is offering himself to us, and we complain for more? I think I need to be more gracious and grateful for all that God has given me and gives me every day.
Quotes:
Numbers 10:35-36 -Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, "Arise, O LORD, that your enemies may be scattered, and those who hate you may flee before you." And when it came to rest, he would say, "Return, O LORD, you who ride upon the clouds, to the troops of Israel."
Numbers 11:23 - The LORD answered Moses, "Is this beyond the LORD'S reach? You shall see now whether or not what I have promised you takes place."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 31: Numbers 5-8
Summaries:
God tells Moses that the unclean are to be expelled from the camp, that those who wrong a felow man are to confess, restore, and give one fifth back, and that if a woman is suspected of adultery (or her husband is jealous), she is to be put to a test of impurity (5). The God gives Moses the laws concerning nazarite vows, where one dedicates himself to the Lord, including abstaining from wine, not cutting his hair, nor entering a place where a dead person is. God also gives the the ritual for dedication, as well as the priestly blessing for Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites, which I have quoted below (6). Once the Dwelling was complete, each of the 12 princes of Israel, the heads of the ancestral houses, brought an offering, and each offering is listed (7). Before the Levites serve in the Dwelling, they are purified, by water of remission, shaving their bodies, washing their clothes, and by Aaron offering them as a wave offering before the lord, and by this, they belong to God (8).
Reflections:
There is a great richness in the formation of the Levitical priests. I like reading about their formation, how they are made sacred, and how their are essentially offerings to God in the place of the first-borns of all the Israelites, and so they have the great responsibility of serving God with their entire lives.
I've always liked the blessing that I quoted below, and I like the fact that it is still used in the Church today, it is has such a great history, as being given by God to Moses for the first priests and the Israelites.
Quotes:
Number 6:24-26 - "The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!"
God tells Moses that the unclean are to be expelled from the camp, that those who wrong a felow man are to confess, restore, and give one fifth back, and that if a woman is suspected of adultery (or her husband is jealous), she is to be put to a test of impurity (5). The God gives Moses the laws concerning nazarite vows, where one dedicates himself to the Lord, including abstaining from wine, not cutting his hair, nor entering a place where a dead person is. God also gives the the ritual for dedication, as well as the priestly blessing for Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites, which I have quoted below (6). Once the Dwelling was complete, each of the 12 princes of Israel, the heads of the ancestral houses, brought an offering, and each offering is listed (7). Before the Levites serve in the Dwelling, they are purified, by water of remission, shaving their bodies, washing their clothes, and by Aaron offering them as a wave offering before the lord, and by this, they belong to God (8).
Reflections:
There is a great richness in the formation of the Levitical priests. I like reading about their formation, how they are made sacred, and how their are essentially offerings to God in the place of the first-borns of all the Israelites, and so they have the great responsibility of serving God with their entire lives.
I've always liked the blessing that I quoted below, and I like the fact that it is still used in the Church today, it is has such a great history, as being given by God to Moses for the first priests and the Israelites.
Quotes:
Number 6:24-26 - "The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!"
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 30: Numbers 1-4
Summaries:
God tells Moses to take a census of the Israelites, and so they take a count of each of the 12 tribes, except the Levits are not included, for they are to take charge of the Dwelling (1). Then the Lord tells Moses and Aaron how the tribes are to be arranged (2). The sons of Aaron are named the anointed priests, and in place of all the first-borns of the Israelites being sacred to God, the Levites are given, so that they may serve the Dwelling. A census of the Levites is taken, and the duties are given to the different Levite clans (3-4).
Reflections:
I think it's pretty cool to watch the formation of the priesthood in the days of Moses, and how sacred they are, as well as how much responsibility they have, not just serving IN the sanctuary, but serving it in the sense of having to carry it as they move.
God tells Moses to take a census of the Israelites, and so they take a count of each of the 12 tribes, except the Levits are not included, for they are to take charge of the Dwelling (1). Then the Lord tells Moses and Aaron how the tribes are to be arranged (2). The sons of Aaron are named the anointed priests, and in place of all the first-borns of the Israelites being sacred to God, the Levites are given, so that they may serve the Dwelling. A census of the Levites is taken, and the duties are given to the different Levite clans (3-4).
Reflections:
I think it's pretty cool to watch the formation of the priesthood in the days of Moses, and how sacred they are, as well as how much responsibility they have, not just serving IN the sanctuary, but serving it in the sense of having to carry it as they move.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Reflection: Leviticus
Leviticus is the book containing a great amount of legislative commandments, filled with rules and laws, precepts and decrees. As the book concludes, "These are the precepts, decrees and laws which the Lord had Moses promulgate on Mount Sinai in the pact between himself and the Israelites."
While some may find these laws confusing or harsh, I find it very enlightening. Sure, I don't fully understand all the rules. But the simple fact that God gave the rules to his people is beyond amazing. God doesn't just expect man to know everything, so God guides man. He gives them free will, but then also guides us in how to use our free will in the best way possible. We are not slaves, but we choose to do what is pleasing to God, and thus ultimately pleasing to us.
While some may find these laws confusing or harsh, I find it very enlightening. Sure, I don't fully understand all the rules. But the simple fact that God gave the rules to his people is beyond amazing. God doesn't just expect man to know everything, so God guides man. He gives them free will, but then also guides us in how to use our free will in the best way possible. We are not slaves, but we choose to do what is pleasing to God, and thus ultimately pleasing to us.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Day 29: Leviticus 25-27
Summaries:
God tells Moses that crops may be grown and harvested for 6 years, but in the 7th year, they are not to collect the harvest, but let the poor pick fromt he fields. In the 7th 7th year (49th or 50th), it is to be a Jubilee year, where everyone is to return to their original property, and the terms for redeeming their property is explained (25). God makes it clear that if the Israelites choose to remain obedient to God's commands, they will be greatly rewarded, but if they are disobedient, things will be very very very bad for them. If they return to God after disbeying, God will always remember his people and the covenant he made with them (26). Though that appears to be the end, the last chapter is like an added appendix, and it explains the expectations of how much is to be offered to God, and what does not need to be offered (27).
Reflections:
I think that God makes it very clear that he wishes for the Israelites to remain faithful to him and that he gives them these precepts, decrees and laws, not to enslave them, but to give them the keys to heaven, the path to Him, and the path to eternal happiness. He also makes it clear that should they choose not to obey God, then they are choosing death. Life and death are put before the Israelites, and before us today, and it is our decisions that are the most important. Ah, such is the gift of free will.
God tells Moses that crops may be grown and harvested for 6 years, but in the 7th year, they are not to collect the harvest, but let the poor pick fromt he fields. In the 7th 7th year (49th or 50th), it is to be a Jubilee year, where everyone is to return to their original property, and the terms for redeeming their property is explained (25). God makes it clear that if the Israelites choose to remain obedient to God's commands, they will be greatly rewarded, but if they are disobedient, things will be very very very bad for them. If they return to God after disbeying, God will always remember his people and the covenant he made with them (26). Though that appears to be the end, the last chapter is like an added appendix, and it explains the expectations of how much is to be offered to God, and what does not need to be offered (27).
Reflections:
I think that God makes it very clear that he wishes for the Israelites to remain faithful to him and that he gives them these precepts, decrees and laws, not to enslave them, but to give them the keys to heaven, the path to Him, and the path to eternal happiness. He also makes it clear that should they choose not to obey God, then they are choosing death. Life and death are put before the Israelites, and before us today, and it is our decisions that are the most important. Ah, such is the gift of free will.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 28: Leviticus 21-24
Summaries:
God tells Moses of the sanctity of the priesthood, how they are to remain clean and sacred to God, they are not to marry prostitutes, and are to marry virgins. Also, priests should not have irregularities, such as being blind, lame, or hunchbacked (21). If anyone goes near the sacrificial offerings while unclean, they will be cut off. One can only eat from the sacrificial offerings when clean, and only a priest, no layman. Animal sacrifices will not be accepted if the animal has an irregularity, and animals are to stay with their mother for 7 days after birth before being allowed to be used as sacrifices (22). The Lord gives some of the rules for holy days, such as the Sabbath, Passover, the feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (23). The lamps were to burn regularly before the Lord in the sanctuary, and flour cakes are to be sacrificed regularly on each sabbath day, to be eaten by Aaron and his sons. Then the story of a blasphemer is told, and he is stoned to death for cursing God, and God gives the law of "eye for an eye, life for a life" regarding punishment and restitution (24).
Reflections:
Chapter 22 had me reflecting on the thought of the people in the sanctuary and the necessity to be clean, compared to today, how we are not to receive the Eucharist unless in a state of grace, not bound by mortal sins. It almost makes more sense in today's terms, not that the clean-ness of that day didn't make sense, but seeing how we are receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist, we cannot also be filled with uncleanness. God calls us to seek his forgiveness and make restitution whenever we sin through his sacrament of Penance, and then when we are made clean, we can receive him.
Thank God the way to become clean today is a whole lot easier than it was back then. Well, as long as it's a Saturday afternoon (j/k).
God tells Moses of the sanctity of the priesthood, how they are to remain clean and sacred to God, they are not to marry prostitutes, and are to marry virgins. Also, priests should not have irregularities, such as being blind, lame, or hunchbacked (21). If anyone goes near the sacrificial offerings while unclean, they will be cut off. One can only eat from the sacrificial offerings when clean, and only a priest, no layman. Animal sacrifices will not be accepted if the animal has an irregularity, and animals are to stay with their mother for 7 days after birth before being allowed to be used as sacrifices (22). The Lord gives some of the rules for holy days, such as the Sabbath, Passover, the feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (23). The lamps were to burn regularly before the Lord in the sanctuary, and flour cakes are to be sacrificed regularly on each sabbath day, to be eaten by Aaron and his sons. Then the story of a blasphemer is told, and he is stoned to death for cursing God, and God gives the law of "eye for an eye, life for a life" regarding punishment and restitution (24).
Reflections:
Chapter 22 had me reflecting on the thought of the people in the sanctuary and the necessity to be clean, compared to today, how we are not to receive the Eucharist unless in a state of grace, not bound by mortal sins. It almost makes more sense in today's terms, not that the clean-ness of that day didn't make sense, but seeing how we are receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist, we cannot also be filled with uncleanness. God calls us to seek his forgiveness and make restitution whenever we sin through his sacrament of Penance, and then when we are made clean, we can receive him.
Thank God the way to become clean today is a whole lot easier than it was back then. Well, as long as it's a Saturday afternoon (j/k).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 27: Leviticus 17-20
Summaries:
God tells Moses of the importance and sanctity of blood, such that animals are only to be killed at the entrance of the sanctuary, and the blood of an animal is not to be consumed (17). Then there are lots of people who you are not to have sex with, such as someone of the same gender, a relative, or an animal (18). The next chapter contains various rules of conduct, some of which are a part of the 10 Commandments, like not worshiping idols or lying, while others are additional laws, such as not eating meat with blood in it, not cross-breading different animals, and not molesting aliens residing with you (19). Then after giving many laws, God lays out the punishment for such laws, most of which are death or being cut off from the community. God concludes the punishments by encouraging the people not to do wrong, but to do what is right (20).
Reflections:
Well, these are some interesting chapters that I feel are often misunderstood. Many people, when opposing the Christian stance of being against homosexuality and gay marriage, will quote Leviticus as if that's the only thing that Christians have as their belief about homosexuality. I've heard it quoted, where the person says "it is an abomination and should be stoned" as the Christian view. Is this really what they think we believe? While it is true that God gave his laws which included forbidding homosexuality, the thoughts behind the Christian view of homosexuality are much deeper than that, and I'm not going to really get into that fully at this time. I just find it ridiculous that this is where other sources turn, seeing it as the only biblical teaching on homosexuality.
I sometimes have trouble with verses like these, when I read a law and go "Yeah!" and then another and go "Say what?" Some seem to make more sense for the time, some are universal, and I guess it's important to read with both the literal sense and the spiritual sense of Scripture in mind.
One more thought: I've been reflecting on eye-for-an-eye and death punishments, trying to find God's love and mercy in the midst of his justice and judgments. Some might see this as an unloving God, or a God who changed. I see it as love in a form we are not used to. God gives everyone his laws so that they are informed. Moses is given the responsibility of telling the laws to everyone, so that it is in their hands. If they choose to sin against God's commandments, just like Adam and Eve, they are cutting themselves off from God, and breaking the terms of the covenant. For the people to respect God, they ought to know that their life is at stake should they choose to sin. We too should think of it as if our lives were at stake if we choose to sin, instead of just writing sins off and making up for it later. Maybe we should spend more time thinking before we do things. But thankfully for us, God has given us the opportunity to go to Confession and be reconciled with God and the Church. Just like the Israelites were to be cut off until they were made clean, we too cut ourselves off when we sin until we are made clean by God's forgiveness.
Quotes:
Leviticus 17:12 - "Since the life of a living body is in its blood, I have made you put it on the altar, so that atonement may thereby be made for your own lives, because it is the blood, as the seat of life, that makes atonement."
Leviticus 20:22 - "Be careful to observe all my statutes and all my decrees; otherwise the land where I am bringing you to dwell will vomit you out."
God tells Moses of the importance and sanctity of blood, such that animals are only to be killed at the entrance of the sanctuary, and the blood of an animal is not to be consumed (17). Then there are lots of people who you are not to have sex with, such as someone of the same gender, a relative, or an animal (18). The next chapter contains various rules of conduct, some of which are a part of the 10 Commandments, like not worshiping idols or lying, while others are additional laws, such as not eating meat with blood in it, not cross-breading different animals, and not molesting aliens residing with you (19). Then after giving many laws, God lays out the punishment for such laws, most of which are death or being cut off from the community. God concludes the punishments by encouraging the people not to do wrong, but to do what is right (20).
Reflections:
Well, these are some interesting chapters that I feel are often misunderstood. Many people, when opposing the Christian stance of being against homosexuality and gay marriage, will quote Leviticus as if that's the only thing that Christians have as their belief about homosexuality. I've heard it quoted, where the person says "it is an abomination and should be stoned" as the Christian view. Is this really what they think we believe? While it is true that God gave his laws which included forbidding homosexuality, the thoughts behind the Christian view of homosexuality are much deeper than that, and I'm not going to really get into that fully at this time. I just find it ridiculous that this is where other sources turn, seeing it as the only biblical teaching on homosexuality.
I sometimes have trouble with verses like these, when I read a law and go "Yeah!" and then another and go "Say what?" Some seem to make more sense for the time, some are universal, and I guess it's important to read with both the literal sense and the spiritual sense of Scripture in mind.
One more thought: I've been reflecting on eye-for-an-eye and death punishments, trying to find God's love and mercy in the midst of his justice and judgments. Some might see this as an unloving God, or a God who changed. I see it as love in a form we are not used to. God gives everyone his laws so that they are informed. Moses is given the responsibility of telling the laws to everyone, so that it is in their hands. If they choose to sin against God's commandments, just like Adam and Eve, they are cutting themselves off from God, and breaking the terms of the covenant. For the people to respect God, they ought to know that their life is at stake should they choose to sin. We too should think of it as if our lives were at stake if we choose to sin, instead of just writing sins off and making up for it later. Maybe we should spend more time thinking before we do things. But thankfully for us, God has given us the opportunity to go to Confession and be reconciled with God and the Church. Just like the Israelites were to be cut off until they were made clean, we too cut ourselves off when we sin until we are made clean by God's forgiveness.
Quotes:
Leviticus 17:12 - "Since the life of a living body is in its blood, I have made you put it on the altar, so that atonement may thereby be made for your own lives, because it is the blood, as the seat of life, that makes atonement."
Leviticus 20:22 - "Be careful to observe all my statutes and all my decrees; otherwise the land where I am bringing you to dwell will vomit you out."
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Days 25-26: Leviticus 9-16
Summaries:
At the conclusion of the priestly ordination, Aaron makes a sin offering, a holocaust, and an offering for the people, and Aaron blesses the people (9). Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu incense the altar inappropriately and are struck dead by God. The conduct of priests is laid out (10). The Lord explains to Moses which animals are clean for eating and which are unclean. Hoofs + cloven-footed + chews cud = good. Fish = good, shellfish = bad. (For the rest of the list, see ch 11). Childbirth makes a woman unclean, and must be purified for 33-66 days. A son is to be circumcised on the either day, and brought before the priests along with an offering after the purification (12). Lots of rules and regulations regarding leprosy, including distinguishing types, purification, and sacrifices (13-14). Certain things make someone unclean, such as chronic flow from privates, seed emission, and menstrual cycles, and the Israelites should be aware of the uncleanness so they do not desecrate the Dwelling (15). God tells Moses of the one time in the year when Aaron may enter the sanctuary, on the Day of Atonement, and instructs him as to how it is to be done, including a sin offering for himself and family, a sin offering for the people, a goat that bears the sins of all the people and is lead away from the camp and killed, and fasting (16).
Reflections:
I've been spending some time thinking about what all this commotion of being "unclean" was really about. I'm sure there's a book I could read about it, but I was just doing some pure reflection. This is the instruction God gave, so it was meaningful. I think it can be tough to hear that a woman is "unclean" at child-birth or during menstrual periods, but what is/was the purpose for this distinction? My thought is that, in those times especially, physical cleanliness was a very important thing. Let's face it, what was the hygiene of the times? God looked after his people, and wanted them to realize the sanctity of their bodies and the importance of keeping them clean and properly purifying them. Also, God did not want the Sanctuary to be made unclean.
Anyway, I'm sure someone can enlighten me more, but I don't think anyone should misread these verses to think that God looks down on the uncleanness of something natural like childbirth. It is certainly deeper than this.
At the conclusion of the priestly ordination, Aaron makes a sin offering, a holocaust, and an offering for the people, and Aaron blesses the people (9). Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu incense the altar inappropriately and are struck dead by God. The conduct of priests is laid out (10). The Lord explains to Moses which animals are clean for eating and which are unclean. Hoofs + cloven-footed + chews cud = good. Fish = good, shellfish = bad. (For the rest of the list, see ch 11). Childbirth makes a woman unclean, and must be purified for 33-66 days. A son is to be circumcised on the either day, and brought before the priests along with an offering after the purification (12). Lots of rules and regulations regarding leprosy, including distinguishing types, purification, and sacrifices (13-14). Certain things make someone unclean, such as chronic flow from privates, seed emission, and menstrual cycles, and the Israelites should be aware of the uncleanness so they do not desecrate the Dwelling (15). God tells Moses of the one time in the year when Aaron may enter the sanctuary, on the Day of Atonement, and instructs him as to how it is to be done, including a sin offering for himself and family, a sin offering for the people, a goat that bears the sins of all the people and is lead away from the camp and killed, and fasting (16).
Reflections:
I've been spending some time thinking about what all this commotion of being "unclean" was really about. I'm sure there's a book I could read about it, but I was just doing some pure reflection. This is the instruction God gave, so it was meaningful. I think it can be tough to hear that a woman is "unclean" at child-birth or during menstrual periods, but what is/was the purpose for this distinction? My thought is that, in those times especially, physical cleanliness was a very important thing. Let's face it, what was the hygiene of the times? God looked after his people, and wanted them to realize the sanctity of their bodies and the importance of keeping them clean and properly purifying them. Also, God did not want the Sanctuary to be made unclean.
Anyway, I'm sure someone can enlighten me more, but I don't think anyone should misread these verses to think that God looks down on the uncleanness of something natural like childbirth. It is certainly deeper than this.
Reflection: Exodus
(This is long overdue, but here's my Exodus reflection.)
Exodus. A very interesting follow-up to Genesis. So rich with symbolism and typology, things of the old that are foreshadowings of that which is to come. So many great stories about Moses and the Israelites. It's almost like a sequel to Genesis in a trilogy, except in this case, maybe a pentology (the Pentateuch as a pentology...interesting concept. I'm buying the movie rights as we speak).
But seriously. I found it interesting how, in contrast to Genesis, which focused on many great peoples, from Adam to Noah to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Exodus is about one main character, Moses, and the Israelites. That's not to say that there aren't other important characters, or interesting things that happen, but it shows just how important Moses was. God used Moses in a HUGE way. We tend to think of him primarily regarding the 10 Commandments, but there is so much more. This book shows how God restored his relationship with his people, brought them freedom, and continued to lead them onwards, always bringing them closer to him.
I think that I used to look past Moses and not really relate to him, but now I'm going to try to remember more often the key role he played, and strive for faith like him. He really is a man of God who we can all learn from.
Exodus. A very interesting follow-up to Genesis. So rich with symbolism and typology, things of the old that are foreshadowings of that which is to come. So many great stories about Moses and the Israelites. It's almost like a sequel to Genesis in a trilogy, except in this case, maybe a pentology (the Pentateuch as a pentology...interesting concept. I'm buying the movie rights as we speak).
But seriously. I found it interesting how, in contrast to Genesis, which focused on many great peoples, from Adam to Noah to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Exodus is about one main character, Moses, and the Israelites. That's not to say that there aren't other important characters, or interesting things that happen, but it shows just how important Moses was. God used Moses in a HUGE way. We tend to think of him primarily regarding the 10 Commandments, but there is so much more. This book shows how God restored his relationship with his people, brought them freedom, and continued to lead them onwards, always bringing them closer to him.
I think that I used to look past Moses and not really relate to him, but now I'm going to try to remember more often the key role he played, and strive for faith like him. He really is a man of God who we can all learn from.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Days 24-25: Leviticus 1-8
I've fallen behind on reading/posting, so I want to try to post some of the chapters I've read, and I'll post my Exodus Reflection later.
Summaries:
God gives Moses instructions for the Israelites on how things are to be done, including holocausts, which involve a bull, sheep, or goat without blemish (1), cereal offerings, which involve flour, oil, and frankincense (2), and peace offerings, which involve an animal without blemish (3). Then Moses is instructed about sin offerings for various situations in which someone sins unknowingly and comes to realize it. These situations include for priests, mostly cases of ritual uncleanliness, for the community, for princes, for private persons (4), for special cases, including touching something unclean unknowingly, and for guilt offerings (5). Then the Lord gives Moses the ritual instructions for the daily holocaust, for the daily cereal offering, for sin offerings (6), for guilt offerings, and for peace offerings. Also, the Israelites are not to eat animal fat or drink animal blood, and the portions of the offerings that are to be kept for the priests are described (7). Then the ceremony of ordination is described, including Aaron and his sons putting on the sacred vestments and being anointed with oil, followed by a sin offering and an ordination offering, and Aaron and his sons must remain in the meeting tent for seven days (8).
Reflections:
Since Leviticus is filled with sacrificial and ritual laws, it's not going to be easy to summarize, so I'm going to be vague. Otherwise, I'd just be re-writing what's already written.
Leviticus is often a difficult book for people to read, and I can't say it's been a breeze for me so far. While it is interesting to see the customs, not just of the people, but from God, it can be difficult for me to relate to this. So far, I just feel that there is great reverence associated with public worship AKA liturgy, and it tends to be thrown out the window these days for the sake of just doing church the way that looks/feels/sounds good. We'll see how the rest of the book goes.
Summaries:
God gives Moses instructions for the Israelites on how things are to be done, including holocausts, which involve a bull, sheep, or goat without blemish (1), cereal offerings, which involve flour, oil, and frankincense (2), and peace offerings, which involve an animal without blemish (3). Then Moses is instructed about sin offerings for various situations in which someone sins unknowingly and comes to realize it. These situations include for priests, mostly cases of ritual uncleanliness, for the community, for princes, for private persons (4), for special cases, including touching something unclean unknowingly, and for guilt offerings (5). Then the Lord gives Moses the ritual instructions for the daily holocaust, for the daily cereal offering, for sin offerings (6), for guilt offerings, and for peace offerings. Also, the Israelites are not to eat animal fat or drink animal blood, and the portions of the offerings that are to be kept for the priests are described (7). Then the ceremony of ordination is described, including Aaron and his sons putting on the sacred vestments and being anointed with oil, followed by a sin offering and an ordination offering, and Aaron and his sons must remain in the meeting tent for seven days (8).
Reflections:
Since Leviticus is filled with sacrificial and ritual laws, it's not going to be easy to summarize, so I'm going to be vague. Otherwise, I'd just be re-writing what's already written.
Leviticus is often a difficult book for people to read, and I can't say it's been a breeze for me so far. While it is interesting to see the customs, not just of the people, but from God, it can be difficult for me to relate to this. So far, I just feel that there is great reverence associated with public worship AKA liturgy, and it tends to be thrown out the window these days for the sake of just doing church the way that looks/feels/sounds good. We'll see how the rest of the book goes.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Day 23: Exodus 37-40
Summaries:
Bezalel continues to build as instructed, building the ark, the propitiatory, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of holocausts, and the court. Then the amount of materials used is listed (37-38). The vestments too are created just as described, and when all the work is finished, it is presented to Moses, and he blesses the people (39). God then instructs Moses on how to erect the Dwelling, how to put it all together, and annoint it. Then he is to clothe Aaron and his sons with the vestments. Moses finishes the work, and the glory of the Lord fills the Dwelling (40).
Reflections:
Again, it is great to see God's commands being actualized through his people, and the work being finished. What a blessing it is that God's people don't have to make up a form of worship, for God has revealed how it is to be done. And when things get cloudy and confused, he continues to reveal himself further and further, culminating in the full revelation of himself in the person of Jesus Christ.
Quotes:
I really liked the final 5 verses of Exodus, so here they are.
Exodus 40: 34-38 - "Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (35)Moses could not enter the meeting tent, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (36) Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journey. (37) But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. (38) In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud by the whole house of Israel in all the stages of their journey."
Bezalel continues to build as instructed, building the ark, the propitiatory, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of holocausts, and the court. Then the amount of materials used is listed (37-38). The vestments too are created just as described, and when all the work is finished, it is presented to Moses, and he blesses the people (39). God then instructs Moses on how to erect the Dwelling, how to put it all together, and annoint it. Then he is to clothe Aaron and his sons with the vestments. Moses finishes the work, and the glory of the Lord fills the Dwelling (40).
Reflections:
Again, it is great to see God's commands being actualized through his people, and the work being finished. What a blessing it is that God's people don't have to make up a form of worship, for God has revealed how it is to be done. And when things get cloudy and confused, he continues to reveal himself further and further, culminating in the full revelation of himself in the person of Jesus Christ.
Quotes:
I really liked the final 5 verses of Exodus, so here they are.
Exodus 40: 34-38 - "Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (35)Moses could not enter the meeting tent, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (36) Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journey. (37) But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. (38) In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud by the whole house of Israel in all the stages of their journey."
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 22: Exodus 33-36
(Falling a bit behind, so trying to stay updated)
Summaries:
Moses would often go into the meeting tent and speak with God, and Moses pleads with God for his guidance and protection. God says he will continue to guide them, because Moses has found favor with him, and is God's "intimate friend" (33). God tells Moses to cut two tablets to replace the old ones, and then gives Moses his laws, such as do not make molten gods, keep the feast of Unleavened Bread, consecrate all first-borns, don't work on the sabbath, and others. Moses returned with the tablets, and God's radiance shone on his face, so he veiled it when around the Israelites (34). Moses announced the Sabbath regulations, then asks for materials, which people contribute, and for workers/artisans, and capable people all come together (35). God chose Bezalel and Oholiab to use their skills and help lead the construction of the sanctuary, and they build the tent cloth, coverings, boards, and veil, just as God instructed then to do (36).
Reflections:
Moses' intimacy with God is fascinating. They way they talk and interact just blows my mind. It's interesting to see how God speaks through him, but also listens to his pleas. It makes me want to examine my own prayer life and long for that same intimacy, which I think God has extended to all people, especially as seen through his Incarnation and sending Jesus to be with His people.
Also, the part where they take up the collection of materials and need artisans felt like the kind of heartwarming movie/story where they call on all the people to help and contribute for something, and everyone comes out in abundance. It's great to see what the people of God are capable of doing when they come together.
Summaries:
Moses would often go into the meeting tent and speak with God, and Moses pleads with God for his guidance and protection. God says he will continue to guide them, because Moses has found favor with him, and is God's "intimate friend" (33). God tells Moses to cut two tablets to replace the old ones, and then gives Moses his laws, such as do not make molten gods, keep the feast of Unleavened Bread, consecrate all first-borns, don't work on the sabbath, and others. Moses returned with the tablets, and God's radiance shone on his face, so he veiled it when around the Israelites (34). Moses announced the Sabbath regulations, then asks for materials, which people contribute, and for workers/artisans, and capable people all come together (35). God chose Bezalel and Oholiab to use their skills and help lead the construction of the sanctuary, and they build the tent cloth, coverings, boards, and veil, just as God instructed then to do (36).
Reflections:
Moses' intimacy with God is fascinating. They way they talk and interact just blows my mind. It's interesting to see how God speaks through him, but also listens to his pleas. It makes me want to examine my own prayer life and long for that same intimacy, which I think God has extended to all people, especially as seen through his Incarnation and sending Jesus to be with His people.
Also, the part where they take up the collection of materials and need artisans felt like the kind of heartwarming movie/story where they call on all the people to help and contribute for something, and everyone comes out in abundance. It's great to see what the people of God are capable of doing when they come together.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 21: Exodus 29-32
Summaries:
God continues giving Moses instructions, such as the ordination rites for Aaron and the priests, and instructs how the ordination sacrifices are to be done (29). They are also to have an altar for burning incense, they are to take a census and have a tax, have a bronze laver for washing, oil for anointing, and special incense, as per God's instructions (30). God explains that he has provided men with the abilities necessary to build and create all that he has commanded, and reminds Moses of the importance of observing the sabbath (31). Meanwhile, the Israelites at the bottom of the mountain lose hope in Moses, and ask Aaron to construct a god to worship, so after collecting their gold, constructs a golden calf (which may have been a symbol of God's strength, not necessarily another god altogether, but still a violation of the idolatry law). As Moses came down the mountain with the tablets, he was furious with their actions and threw down the tablets (32)
Reflections:
I was delighted to read, after pages and pages of these complicated instructions and blueprints and designs, that God reassured Moses that he has blessed individuals with the gifts necessary to construct that which he has commanded. It reminded me that we all have a purpose. I may not be able to influence the world the way you can, but I can do what I can with the gifts God gave me. An eye cannot do what a foot can do, but they are both important parts of the body. So together, God has constructed the Body, the Church.
Quotes:
Exodus 29:43 - "There, at the altar, I will meet the Israelites; hence, it will be made sacred by my glory."
God continues giving Moses instructions, such as the ordination rites for Aaron and the priests, and instructs how the ordination sacrifices are to be done (29). They are also to have an altar for burning incense, they are to take a census and have a tax, have a bronze laver for washing, oil for anointing, and special incense, as per God's instructions (30). God explains that he has provided men with the abilities necessary to build and create all that he has commanded, and reminds Moses of the importance of observing the sabbath (31). Meanwhile, the Israelites at the bottom of the mountain lose hope in Moses, and ask Aaron to construct a god to worship, so after collecting their gold, constructs a golden calf (which may have been a symbol of God's strength, not necessarily another god altogether, but still a violation of the idolatry law). As Moses came down the mountain with the tablets, he was furious with their actions and threw down the tablets (32)
Reflections:
I was delighted to read, after pages and pages of these complicated instructions and blueprints and designs, that God reassured Moses that he has blessed individuals with the gifts necessary to construct that which he has commanded. It reminded me that we all have a purpose. I may not be able to influence the world the way you can, but I can do what I can with the gifts God gave me. An eye cannot do what a foot can do, but they are both important parts of the body. So together, God has constructed the Body, the Church.
Quotes:
Exodus 29:43 - "There, at the altar, I will meet the Israelites; hence, it will be made sacred by my glory."
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